I, like many others, engaged in the cliche practice of going to the gym the day after New Year’s Day (which is reserved for hangovers) in order to “start the new year right” and “get on the right track.” During this delusional first couple of weeks — or if you decide to actually stay with an active workout routine (good for you!) — you’ll need some tunes to get you through the slow crawl back to fitness. Here are some of my favorite workout jamz, most of which you can download at Amoeba.com.

The only Prodigy song I ever liked. Its misogynistic overtone is unfortunate, even with the “shocking” video they used to try to counter that (which I think made it worse), but its mid-’90s MTV “Amp”-era beats surprisingly hold up.

This must-see on the live techno circuit in Holland makes his debut on 2020 VISION, with a LAUHAUS remix on the flip. Also includes the song "JOEL STARR." This should be big, following his TOKENS album released this year on key Dutch label REMOTE AREA.

Erol AlkanWAVES & DEATH SUITE 12"
BNR036

EROL ALKAN & BOYS NOIZE team up for these two tracks, & deliver an electro disco storm alongside an abstract, cut 'n paste techno/acid rollercoaster. First designed to be battle weapons, but the response was so huge they decided to release them!

Thanks to Ray at Amoeba Hollywood for this week's hip-hop chart with T.I.'s sixth and latest album Paper Trail still going strong, holding down the number one slot a month after its release by the ever- popular Atlanta rapper. The number two hip-hop album seller at the SoCal Amoeba this week is Prodigy of Mobb Deep fame, who teams up with BIg Twins (aka Twin Gambino) and Un Pacino for the New York City themed Product of the 80's album on Brooklyn's Dirt Class Records. The album captures a bygone (rougher) era in a place and time each of these NYC artists, who were born in the seventies, witnessed first hand growing up. On this new collaborative album the rappers are backed by production from the likes of Jake One, Sid Roams, and Benny Needles. The Traffic Entertainment reissue of MF Doom's Operation Doomsday is selling well at all of the Amoeba stores, including Hollywood, where it is number three this week.